Perfection: The Eastern Emperor Bell manifests, I am the Golden Crow Heavenly Emperor

Chapter 8 The Bell Annihilates the Creatures of the World Sea
Deep within the Immortal Realm, in an ancient, neutral place—the Myriad Paths Starry Sky Pavilion—that belongs to no known power and has been maintained by successive Immortal Kings, a long-awaited period of bustling activity has arrived.

One after another, powerful and boundless divine wills of immortal kings traversed endless star fields and were projected onto this place.

On the plaza of the Starry Sky Pavilion, paved with the core of stars, figures gathered, some majestic, some ethereal, some ancient, and some fierce.

These supreme beings, who usually overlook the cycles of time, have gathered together today.

This gathering was jointly initiated by several of the most senior and unfathomably powerful Celestial Kings.

There is only one issue—how to deal with Lu Xuan, the Golden Crow Immortal King, and the unprecedented impact he brings.

Panwang, Hunyuan Immortal King, Qingwei Immortal King, Qingmu Immortal King, and Xuangui Immortal King were all prominently listed.

In addition, there were several ancient immortal kings who rarely appeared in public. Their presence made this starry sky seem somewhat stagnant.

The atmosphere at the gathering was unusually heavy from the very beginning.

"Everyone,"

Pan Wang, as one of the main initiators, spoke first, his voice steady yet carrying a hint of solemnity.

"The matter of Lu Xuan of the Golden Crow Clan is probably already well-known and needs no further elaboration. With lightning speed, he successively killed Ao Sheng, Tai Shi, and Yuan Chu, and even plundered their foundations of cultivation. The cruelty of his methods and the overwhelming power he displayed have completely shattered the balance and order that the Immortal Realm has maintained for countless eras. The reason I have invited you all here today is to discuss with each other what attitude the kings of our Immortal Realm should take regarding this matter."

After he finished speaking, the room fell silent.

The kings had different expressions, and none of them spoke easily.

The White Tiger Immortal King had the most fiery temper. After enduring for a moment, he snorted coldly, breaking the silence.

"Attitude? What attitude is there! That Golden Crow Immortal King is arrogant and domineering, disregarding the rules of the Immortal Realm, and destroying people's lineages at will. How is his behavior any different from that of a demon? If we let this go unchecked, today it's Ao Sheng and the other two, who will be next? If this continues, won't the Immortal Realm become Lu Xuan's one-man show?! In my opinion, we should unite the power of all the kings and use thunderous means to..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by a cold voice.

"Unite the power of all kings?"

Qingwei Immortal King's gaze swept over Hunyuan Immortal King, carrying a hint of mockery.

“Fellow Daoist Hunyuan, let’s not even talk about how Lu Xuan wields that mysterious bell, whose strength is unfathomable. What are our chances of winning if we join forces? Even if we do win, what will the cost be? The Immortal Realm will be severely damaged, and the dark creatures from across the Boundary Sea will take advantage of the situation. Who will bear the responsibility for this?”

She paused, then raised her voice a few decibels.

"Moreover, you all know perfectly well why Ao Sheng and the other two died! If they hadn't coveted the Golden Crow Heavenly Emperor's secret treasure and committed the heinous act of annihilating their clan, how could they have brought such a calamity upon themselves? In the end, it was their own injustice and lack of strength that led to this disastrous consequence! If we were to forcefully step forward, what would be the point? To wage war against a newly ascended invincible Immortal King with boundless potential and ruthless methods for the sake of three dead men? Forgive my bluntness, but this would be unwise!"

Qingwei Immortal King's words were like a bucket of cold water, highlighting the most crucial issue—motive and cost.

To avenge the dead?
There is no such tradition in the Immortal Realm.

For the so-called "rules of the immortal realm"?
Where were those rules when the three Celestial Kings were forcing the Golden Crow Clan to submit?
Immortal King Qingmu stroked his beard and sighed, “What Fellow Daoist Qingwei said is not without reason. Although Lu Xuan’s methods are ruthless, there are reasons for them. His power system, especially that bell, is completely beyond our understanding, and its origin is mysterious and unpredictable. It would be unwise to rashly become an enemy. I believe that we should focus on appeasement and befriending him.”

The Xuan Turtle Immortal King also spoke in a muffled voice: "The secrets of heaven are chaotic, and everything related to that Golden Crow Immortal King is unpredictable. If we force a confrontation, there may be great misfortune."

The attitudes of several veteran immortal kings clearly lean towards avoiding direct confrontation and even attempting to ease tensions.

At this moment, an ancient immortal king shrouded in shadow, whose aura was like the coldest hell, the Netherworld Immortal King, spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Make peace? How can we make peace? That Golden Crow Immortal King is as ruthless as iron, decisive in killing, and not someone to be trifled with. He can slaughter three kings today because of old grudges, but what if he finds us in his way in the future? Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts! The power he possesses does not belong to any known system in the Immortal Realm; this is a huge unknown! The best way to deal with the 'unknown' is before it fully grows up and poses a real threat..."

He didn't finish speaking, but the chill in his words sent a shiver down the spines of many of the Celestial Kings present.

This is the radical faction that advocates nipping risks in the bud.

Another Immortal King, whose aura burned as fiercely as an eternal divine furnace—the Yangyan Immortal King—speaked in a booming voice: "Fellow Daoist Youming is far too pessimistic! What difference does power make? As long as it can be used by our Immortal Realm, it is good! Since Lu Xuan is a Golden Crow, he is a being of the Immortal Realm! The threat from the Boundary Sea is growing daily, and darkness is surging. The Immortal Realm needs such a powerful ally! In my opinion, we should do our utmost to win him over, offer him great benefits, and even... nominate him as the 'Guardian Immortal King' of the Immortal Realm Alliance to jointly resist external enemies!"

This is a pragmatic approach that advocates actively courting and even granting high positions to leverage their power.

For a time, discussions arose within the Starry Sky Pavilion, with various opinions intertwined, including those advocating for strong suppression, appeasement, cautious observation, and active utilization, making it difficult to reach a consensus.

Behind each Celestial King lies immense power and interests, and their attitudes are closely related to their own path of cultivation, personality, and considerations for the future.

Pan Wang looked at the kings arguing endlessly and sighed inwardly.

He knew that it was no longer possible to come up with a unified and tough strategy.

Lu Xuan's displayed strength and the mystery surrounding that bell instilled fear in many people.

Most of the Celestial Kings chose to remain silent or observe.

"Silence." An ancient voice, seemingly from eternity ago, rang out, silencing all the discussion.

The one who spoke was an old man sitting in the corner, his figure blurred, as if he had merged with all the Dao. He was one of the oldest giants in the Immortal Realm and was known as the Enlightened Immortal King.

All the kings fell silent and looked at him.

The Enlightened Immortal King slowly said, "Arguing is pointless. Lu Xuan has already gained considerable influence, and his power should not be underestimated. Forcibly suppressing him would come at a great cost, and success is not guaranteed. Blindly befriending him could also lead to nurturing a tiger that will become a threat."

His gaze swept over the assembled kings: "The best course of action at present is to focus on 'observation' and 'limitation'."

"To investigate is to do everything possible to explore the source of its power, the origin of the bell, and its true intention."

"The limit is to tacitly acknowledge its status and define the Golden Crow Clan's sphere of influence before it explicitly expresses hostility, thus avoiding direct conflict. At the same time, we must secretly strengthen our connections and vigilance, integrate resources, and enhance our strength. The Immortal Realm cannot jeopardize its safety based on the whims of one person."

"As for the threat from the border sea,"

The Enlightened Immortal King looked at the Sunfire Immortal King.

"If he is willing to contribute to the Immortal Realm, that would be best. If he is not willing, we cannot force him; we must rely on ourselves."

The proposal from the Enlightened Immortal King was pragmatic and conservative. It acknowledged Lu Xuan's strength and status while emphasizing the independence and defense of the Immortal Realm itself, and thus received the tacit approval of most Immortal Kings.

Ultimately, the kings reached a preliminary consensus.

They temporarily acknowledged Lu Xuan's status as Immortal King and the XJ Domain of the Golden Crow Clan, refraining from proactive provocation, but strengthened intelligence gathering and their own vigilance.

Meanwhile, several highly respected immortal kings were sent to the Golden Crow Ancestral Court at an opportune time to make initial contact and test its attitude.

A seemingly turbulent gathering of kings ultimately ended in a somewhat frustrating and helpless compromise.

All the Celestial Kings understood that the heavens of the Celestial Realm had changed.

A powerful being, beyond their control and even their full comprehension, has risen. The future Immortal Realm will be forced to learn to find a new way to survive in the shadow of this being named Lu Xuan.

The focus of all this, the Golden Crow Immortal King who was consolidating his cultivation under the Fusang Divine Tree, didn't even care about this gathering that had started because of him.

His gaze had already been set on a more magnificent and turbulent future.

The turmoil in the Immortal Realm, to him, is perhaps just a speck of dust at the starting point of his journey.

Lu Xuan slowly opened his eyes atop the Fusang Divine Tree. The extraordinary phenomenon of creation in his eyes gradually faded, and the surging aura around him, like a starry sea, subsided, making him appear like an ordinary, handsome young man.

However, only he himself knew how terrifyingly solidified his foundation had become after this seclusion to refine the essence of the three Immortal Kings and countless divine materials.
The connection between the Chaos Bell and the Primordial Spirit became increasingly close; with the slightest thought, it could unleash the immense power to suppress all the heavens.

He did not indulge in the pleasure of his increased power, because the moment he emerged from seclusion, a dark force was approaching, which made him sense it.

Although separated by countless realms, to Lu Xuan's current divine sense, it was as if it were right before his eyes.

The enhancement that Taiyi's inheritance brought him far exceeded that of ordinary Immortal Kings.

The perception of darkness is incredibly clear.

The source of that tremor was not from within the Immortal Realm, but from the boundary sea and the vicinity of the Immortal Realm.

A dark aura at the level of a Celestial King is slowly approaching the Celestial Realm.

Just as Lu Xuan was concentrating on sensing the direction of the Boundary Sea, the patriarch Jin Qing appeared under the tree and respectfully reported.
"Immortal King, envoys from the Immortal Realm have arrived. They are Immortal King Qingmu and Immortal King Qingwei, who claim to represent all the kings of the Immortal Realm and have come to pay their respects."

Upon hearing this, Lu Xuan's lips curled into a smile that was neither a smile nor a frown.

They arrived quickly, and sent two people they had met once before who were relatively mild-mannered.

"Let them come over."

He spoke calmly, his body remaining still as he stood atop the tree with his hands behind his back, overlooking the newly renovated Golden Crow Ancestral Land.

A moment later, the figures of Qingmu Immortal King and Qingwei Immortal King appeared beneath the Fusang Divine Tree.

The two Celestial Kings concealed most of their auras and adopted a very humble posture.

When they saw the figure at the top of the tree, they were all startled.

Although one could not sense any overwhelming pressure, the other party simply stood there, as if he had merged with the entire universe, giving one the illusion of being unfathomable.

It seems even more terrifying than when the three kings were killed!

"Qingmu (Qingwei) greets Fellow Daoist Lu Xuan." The two Immortal Kings bowed in greeting.

Lu Xuan nodded slightly in return, looking at them calmly: "What brings you two fellow Daoists here together?"

As the representative, the Azure Wood Immortal King forced a warm smile and said.

"Fellow Daoist Lu Xuan's ascension to the throne and his astonishing combat prowess are truly unprecedented in the history of the Immortal Realm. We, the kings, have come here to congratulate you. As for the matter concerning Ao Sheng and the other two, it was indeed their own fault for their improper conduct, and the kings of the Immortal Realm have no objection to this."

He first made his stance clear, distanced himself from the situation, and extended goodwill.

Immortal King Qingwei took over the conversation, her voice clear and melodious.

"Fellow Daoist's supernatural powers are unparalleled. Your current presence in the Immortal Realm is truly a blessing for all living beings. At present, there are frequent disturbances on the other side of the Boundary Sea, and dark auras are infiltrating from time to time. The Immortal Realm is in dire need of capable people. We, the kings, intend to recommend you as the 'Guardian King' of the Immortal Realm, a position of great prestige, to discuss important matters with the other kings and jointly resist external enemies. I wonder what you think?"

She extended an olive branch directly, even offering him a high position, in an attempt to bring Lu Xuan into the existing power structure of the Immortal Realm.

Lu Xuan listened quietly, his face expressionless, until Qingwei Immortal King finished speaking, then he slowly opened his mouth, his voice calm yet carrying a sense of detachment:
I appreciate your congratulations.

"As for the position of Dharma Protector King..."

He paused, his gaze seemingly piercing through the void, once again fixed on the chilling direction of the Boundary Sea.

"It's just empty fame, as fleeting as clouds to me."

Aoki and Qingwei felt a chill in their hearts.

Lu Xuan continued, "I have no intention of getting involved in the mundane affairs of the Immortal Realm, nor do I have any intention of discussing important matters with anyone. The Golden Crow Clan only needs a peaceful place to recuperate and thrive. I will not offend others unless they offend me."

His words clearly defined the boundaries: Don't mess with me, I can't be bothered with you.

This seemingly yielding stance is actually a display of extreme self-confidence and arrogance, showing a complete disdain for integrating into their so-called "Immortal Realm Alliance."

Qingmu Immortal King wanted to say something more, trying to salvage the situation: "Fellow Daoist, the threat from the Boundary Sea is no small matter; it concerns the survival of the Immortal Realm. If one falls, the other will be vulnerable..."

Just then, Lu Xuan frowned almost imperceptibly.

He sensed that the aura from the direction of the Boundary Sea had suddenly become clearer, and was attempting to cross the barrier of the Boundary Sea!

He suddenly changed his mind, looked at Aoki and Qingwei, his tone still calm, yet carrying a chilling undertone:

"I have my own plans regarding the border sea."

"However, since you two have mentioned the threat of the Boundary Sea..."

He abruptly changed the subject, his gaze sharp as a knife.

"I will show you what a true 'protector of the Dharma' really is!"

Before he finished speaking, Lu Xuan's figure suddenly disappeared from the top of the Fusang Divine Tree!
The next moment, he appeared in the sky above the Immortal Realm!
Within the Immortal Realm, all Immortal Kings were alarmed by this sudden change, and countless divine thoughts instantly traversed endless distances to focus on this place!
"What is he going to do?!"

"Which direction? That's the boundary between the Sea of ​​Immortals and the Immortal Realm! Could it be that dark creatures have invaded?"

Under the gaze of countless astonished eyes, Lu Xuan faced the Boundary Sea, a place so vast that even Immortal Kings would hesitate to approach, his expression neither sad nor happy.

He slowly raised his right hand.

"Boom——!!!"

The Chaos Bell has reappeared!
But this time, it was no longer confined to one place, but truly revealed its terrifying true form that suppressed the primordial chaos!
The ancient bell was as large as a star field, and its dark yellow color illuminated the edge of the dim boundary sea. The images of the sun, moon, stars, earth, water, fire and wind on the bell wall seemed to be brought back to life, radiating an unparalleled power that made the entire Immortal Realm tremble!
Lu Xuan's gaze locked onto that ominous dark fluctuation in the mist of the Boundary Sea. He pointed his fingers like a sword, activated the Chaos Bell, and unleashed a fierce attack on that area!
"town!"

(End of this chapter)